A desperate plea to save SNAPPY has been made directly to York's business community.

The charity, one of the few in the city offering disabled young people a chance to enjoy activities considered normal for others of their age, urgently needs £60,000 to continue for another year.

And, though generous individuals have given what they can afford, only businesses can give the substantial amount needed to save the essential service which helps 280 people in the city. SNAPPY's executive officer Anne Pemberton said: "My main concern is to get the business community involved now.

"We are not really talking huge sums of money and we are urgently appealing for businesses to think of us. We need them to know how important this service is and that it must continue."

SNAPPY, which stands for Special Needs Activities and Play Provision York, faces closure of its youth and senior projects, which give the chance for 14 to 25-year-olds to enjoy activities such as going to the cinema and socialising.

It also teaches basic skills essential for life in the community.

It has no funding since National Lottery and Northern Rock Foundation cash grants dried up.

Since the Evening Press launched its Save Snappy appeal, money has been donated from individuals, including pensioners. But substantial amounts from York's business community are needed urgently.

Mrs Pemberton said: "The last thing we wanted was to have to appeal like this. We did not want the kids to know that they depend on people putting their hands in their pockets so that they can have a standard of life that they have a right to."

Businesses that have already made donations include British Sugar, Woolworth and print company Sessions.

Brown's department store has pledged to support the charity at its privilege evening on November 14, and has promised its full support in charity fundraising events in the coming weeks.

Donations to help keep the group growing can be made to SNAPPY, Burton Stone Community Centre, Evelyn Crescent, York YO3 6DR, or telephone 01904 640562.

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk